OPTION HOUSE: “A true Main Street landmark, the Option House has
been a part of Bradford since the early days of oil. Even the name
‘Option’ refers to stock options traded by eager oil producers over
a hundred years ago.”

That’s a sampling of what the Bradford Landmark Society wrote in
its recent newsletter about the Option House which, as Era readers
know, is undergoing a substantial renovation under the direction of
new owner Sam Sylvester.

“A recent tour of the building by the staff of the Landmark
Society revealed a building that still contains tremendous charm
and one that gives a good look at the beautiful woodwork and
craftsmanship that built the Option House back in 1903,” the
article reported.

Continuing:

“The original Option House was built of wood in the 1880s but,
by the turn of the century with business booming, owner Frank
McBride decided to erect a much more substantial building. In 1902,
he hired architect Frederick C. French to design a brick building
that would be the showcase of Main Street. French was well suited
to the job – he also designed the James R. Evans building at 80
Main St., and the Schonblom building on the corner of Kennedy and
Main streets.

“The new Option House was a four-story brick building erected on
the site of the former building. Demolition of the old wooden
building began on July 14, 1902, with completion of the new brick
building promised by that October.

“Using arc lights for illumination, two crews of men worked day
and night to meet that goal. The second floor which overlooked Main
Street was designed as a dining room, while the front portion of
the third floor was McBride’s apartment. The rest of the building
served as a hotel, restaurant and bar. There were 20 rooms
available for overnight customers.

“McBride sold the Option House in 1925 to James Rich, who
expanded the building, adding 13 rooms with showers to the rear of
the structure. In 1935, a 2-ton Brunswick bar was installed, and a
nightclub called ‘Peacock Alley’ opened up on the second floor
dining hall. During the Depression, the hotel nearly closed, but
friendly local bankers kept the business going.”

The landmark has gone through a couple of transformations even
since that time and we are eagerly awaiting the newest “rebirth” of
our next-door neighbor.